Stroger to governorNeeds it to help fund media blitz in County Board bid
October 20, 2006
BY FRAN SPIELMAN AND STEVE PATTERSON Staff Reporters
Running out of money and time, Todd Stroger's campaign for Cook County Board president is leaning on Gov. Blagojevich to cough up $100,000 to help finance Stroger's 11th-hour media blitz against Republican Tony Peraica.
"We want $100,000, but so far, he hasn't given up a dime. He's got plenty of money, and this is a Democratic candidate he should be supporting. We're supporting him. He can come up with $100,000," said Ald. William Beavers (7th), who's running for the County Board seat vacated by John Stroger so he can serve as son Todd Stroger's floor leader.
The squeeze comes amid reports the Stroger campaign is floundering -- short on cash, support and initiative, claims flatly denied by Todd Stroger.
'No threats or nothing'
"[Stroger] needs it for a last-minute commercial blitz," Beavers said. "We're gonna raise the money anyway. But we want the governor to show good faith -- that he's with the Democratic candidate -- and give up some money."
Stroger has yet to air a TV ad, while Peraica has had two.
Stroger officials don't deny they're urging the governor and other top Democrats to help them, reminding each of the power of the black vote.
"The reality is that no Democrat is successful without wholehearted, blanketed commitment in the black community," Stroger spokesman Bill Figel said. "We are in the midst of a short campaign and will angle to raise money, leaving no stone unturned."
Peraica spokesman Dan Proft said Stroger should instead look for cash from a political supporter Stroger and Blagojevich have in common.
"Why go to the governor now that [indicted businessman] Tony Rezko's back in town?" Proft asked.
Blagojevich campaign spokeswoman Sheila Nix said the governor's campaign has worked with Stroger on plans to get out the vote, but couldn't confirm promises to deliver campaign cash.
Beavers, however, said Blagojevich and those close to the governor have promised it.
"There's no threats or nothing," Beavers said. "It's just that we need $100,000."
Campaign finance records show Blagojevich had $12.2 million available in July.
"He's got enough money," Beavers said, adding that a contribution to Stroger will "help me work that much harder for [Blagojevich]."
Beavers was an early Blagojevich supporter, but in 2004, he called the governor a "one-termer" who "alienated everybody" with his heavy-handed attitude and big mouth. The election is Nov. 7.
fspielman@suntimes.com
spatterson@suntimes.com
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